O'Sullivan: Big two will face England

13 February 2005 13:33pm

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan is confident his dynamic midfield duo of Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy will be fit to play in the third leg of his side's attempt to win their second Grand Slam against England in Dublin.

O'Driscoll and D'Arcy missed Ireland's second match of the RBS 6 Nations championship against Scotland at Murrayfield due to hamstring injuries picked up in the opening-weekend victory over Italy in Rome.

But despite the absence of the magical Leinster centres, Ireland were still too strong for Matt Williams' men as they ran out convincing 40-13 winners in Edinburgh despite falling 8-0 down in the early stages.

Ireland are certain to face a more sustained challenge to their hopes of landing their first clean sweep since 1948 when they tackle Andy Robinson's evolving team at Lansdowne Road in two weeks' time.

Kevin Maggs and Shane Horgan filled in impressively but O'Sullivan will be happy to welcome back his captain O'Driscoll and 2004's player of the RBS 6 Nations D'Arcy, who were close enough to making the Scotland game to have been named in the initial team selection.

If Ireland are able to field their first-choice centre pairing it could be vital to the outcome of the match given England's own depleted resources in midfield, with Will Greenwood and Mike Tindall on the injured list.

He said: "The week off gives us the chance to get people back, get a break and come back refreshed for the England game.

"I don't see any reason why Brian and Gordon won't be fit. They have a lot of hard work to do in the next two weeks and they will be working harder injured than if they were fit.

"That is going to be a very physical match but the boys are going back to Lansdowne Road, which has been a good hunting ground for us.

"It is going to be a phenomenal atmosphere and we are looking forward to the England game.

"We will recharge our batteries and come in next week ready to go - we are certainly champing at the bit."

O'Sullivan admits his side have not hit their peak yet but is happy to have seen them come away from two tricky away matches with victories.

After seeing Malcolm O'Kelly, Paul O'Connell, Denis Hickie, John Hayes and Gavin Duffy run in tried for his side, he said: "I am happy with the two wins especially considering the two injuries.

"That did change the dynamics of the side but I said that if we got two wins I would be happy and I am very happy.

"We have learned several things from the two games. We have learned to keep our shape and composure under pressure and learned patience as well."